John 2:18-25 (NIVUK)
18 The Jews then responded to him, ‘What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?’ 19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ 20 They replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?’ 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
My attention was caught today by the last few verses in this passage. Here it describes the people believing in Jesus, but Jesus not entrusting himself to them (23-24). At first, this might seem a little harsh on Jesus’ behalf, he’s refusing true relationship with them, but there’s more to it than that. John’s implication in verse 23 is that they don’t have a deep belief in him, their trust only goes so far; they only believe while they see miracles (a bit like football supporters who only support their team whilst they’re winning). Jesus sees beyond this superficial faith, he sees their hearts (25), and that’s why he doesn’t place himself fully in their hands; he knows that later they may be the ones shouting ‘crucify him!’
Lord, forgive our surface faith. In your mercy, give us a faith that goes deeper, which lasts in times of trouble, and that is based on relationship not the views of others or passing enjoyment.
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